Israeli Knesset passes bill to impose death penalty for specific offenses

The Israeli parliament, the Knesset, has passed a controversial law with a vote of 62 to 48 that mandates the death penalty for individuals convicted of killing Israeli citizens due to racism, hostility, or with the intent to harm the State of Israel. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu supported the legislation, which critics argue is effectively designed to target Palestinians tried in military courts. The law mandates capital punishment for anyone who intentionally or out of indifference causes the death of an Israeli citizen, a provision that international observers argue creates discriminatory legal standards. Prior to the vote, foreign ministers from Germany, France, Italy, and the United Kingdom expressed strong opposition, suggesting the law undermines democratic commitments. Additionally, Alain Berset, Secretary General of the Council of Europe, formally urged Israel to abandon the bill, citing that it would reverse a long-standing de facto moratorium on the death penalty. Israel has historically executed only one person in its civil history, Nazi war criminal Adolf Eichmann in 1962. Immediately following the passage of the law, an Israeli human rights NGO announced a challenge in the Supreme Court, arguing the legislation is unconstitutional. The law is widely expected to face prolonged legal and international scrutiny.